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Showing 2781 – 2800 of 15962 publications

Reconstructing flexible pathways of Aurignacian blade and bladelet production at Vogelherd

Caves and Ice Age Art in the Swabian Jura — 2025 — WHEF09D106FEB

A detailed analysis of Aurignacian blade and bladelet production at Vogelherd Cave reveals flexible technological pathways shaped by raw material sourcing and quality. By combining the chaîne opératoire approach with systematic refitting, researchers reconstructed entire reduction sequences, tracing the biographies of cores and tools. The study highlights that imported high-quality materials were prioritized over exhausted local resources, a pattern consistent with other Paleolithic contexts. Regional comparisons further distinguish site-specific behaviors from broader Aurignacian adaptations in Central Europe, offering new insights into early modern human technological innovation during this pivotal period.

Reconstructing memory through adaptive heritage: a comparative analysis of Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung in UNESCO discourse

Changdeokgung Palace Complex — 2025 — WHE61C01BFD61

A comparative analysis of Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung Palaces reveals that Gyeongbokgung, despite its exclusion from UNESCO World Heritage recognition due to reconstruction, embodies adaptive heritage principles by reflecting Korea’s postcolonial transformations and evolving national identity. The study challenges conventional heritage frameworks rooted in the Authorized Heritage Discourse (AHD), emphasizing symbolic reappropriation and historical rupture. Using a case analysis and text mining of over 90,000 news articles, the research highlights Gyeongbokgung’s cultural and interpretive potential as adaptive heritage, advocating for more inclusive and context-sensitive approaches to World Heritage evaluation in East Asia.

Recovery of the Southern Greater Glider (Petauroides volans) following the extreme drought, heatwaves, and mega-fires of 2019–2020 in the southern Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, Australia

Greater Blue Mountains Area — 2025 — WHE476CDE7925

Southern Greater Gliders (Petauroides volans) show rapid recovery in lightly and moderately burnt areas of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, Australia, following the 2019–2020 mega-fires. Unlike severely burnt transects where gliders were eliminated due to complete loss of eucalypt foliage, populations in less affected areas rebounded within four years, with some exceeding pre-fire levels by 45%. This recovery was likely aided by high post-fire rainfall but underscores the critical need for fire management and habitat protection. The study highlights that severe wildfires can irreparably damage glider populations, emphasizing the importance of preserving high-quality habitat and wildlife corridors to ensure species survival.

Recreational and touristic resources of the Kitab-Shahrisabz talweg and its rationale in geography

Historic Centre of Shakhrisyabz — 2025 — WHEBADE097D5F

The Kitab-Shahrisabz thalweg in Uzbekistan emerges as a promising model for sustainable tourism, leveraging its unique biodiversity hotspots, moderate climate, and cultural landmarks like the UNESCO-listed Shahrisabz. A 2025 study reveals strong community support (74%) for tourism-driven economic growth and cultural preservation (68%), though environmental degradation concerns were noted by 56% of respondents. Since 2021, visitor trends show consistent growth, with historical tours (54%) and trekking (42%) leading preferred activities. The research identifies critical challenges—environmental impacts, inadequate infrastructure, and limited community capacity—and proposes strategic interventions, including sustainable tourism planning, eco-friendly infrastructure development, and monitoring mechanisms to balance ecological integrity with regional development.

Recurating Robben Island: cultural objects, digital memory, and the entropic afterlives of national heritage

Robben Island — 2025 — WHEC91964BF06

A study of visitor-generated Instagram posts at Robben Island Museum reveals that digital artifacts challenge the museum’s official narrative of resilience and reconciliation, instead reflecting diverse interpretations of Apartheid’s legacy. Analyzing 500 South African visitors' posts, researchers found that these personal accounts—ranging from trauma to aesthetic appreciation—highlight the multivocality of public memory. This suggests a need for inclusive heritage management in post-conflict sites, where digital platforms mediate competing perspectives. The findings underscore how cultural entropy shapes national identity and call for participatory approaches to heritage conservation.

Red-footed booby population thriving at globally significant Aldabra Atoll: insights from unmanned aerial vehicle surveys

Aldabra Atoll — 2025 — WHEF1015E4352

Aldabra Atoll hosts the world's most significant red-footed booby colony, with populations surging to at least 45,817 breeding pairs by 2023—a dramatic increase from previous estimates. Traditional boat surveys revealed 36,720 pairs, but unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) surveys uncovered an additional 5,574 inland breeding pairs, previously undocumented. This breakthrough highlights the atoll's global importance for seabird conservation and demonstrates UAVs as a powerful tool for monitoring low-lying mangrove colonies. The study suggests earlier population counts may have been underestimated, underscoring Aldabra’s critical role in sustaining this threatened species in the Indian Ocean.

Redefining urban heritage boundaries for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): the World Heritage property of the Hwaseong Fortress, Republic of Korea

Hwaseong Fortress — 2025 — WHE9D9CB822BB

A redefinition of the boundaries for UNESCO World Heritage Sites, particularly the Hwaseong Fortress in South Korea, is proposed to enhance sustainable urban development and align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The study reveals that the current boundary fails to encompass critical urban components that contribute to the site's Outstanding Universal Value (OUV), leaving them unprotected under World Heritage designation. Using qualitative content analysis via MAXQDA and spatial overlay analysis in ArcGIS Pro, researchers identified these urban attributes as essential to preserving the fortress's heritage significance. This approach suggests expanding the boundary to include all OUV-relevant elements, thereby strengthening the site's protection and its potential contribution to sustainable urban development.

Reducing UHI in historical centres: the greening transformation of open small spaces in San Lorenzo district in the city of Naples (Italy)

Historic Centre of Naples — 2025 — WHE0DB00D7701

Targeted greening interventions in small, open spaces within historical city centers can significantly mitigate Urban Heat Island (UHI) effects and improve thermal comfort. A study focusing on the San Lorenzo district of Naples demonstrates that restoring inner courtyards—originally designed as gardens or orange groves—to their green function enhances cooling potential in dense, heritage-constrained urban fabrics. Using ENVI-met 5.7 simulations, researchers modeled microclimatic conditions under current and greened scenarios, incorporating detailed urban morphology, vegetation types, and local climate data. The findings highlight the physiological benefits of such interventions, as measured by indices like Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET) and Mean Radiant Temperature (MRT), offering a sustainable approach to urban planning that addresses thermal discomfort and energy consumption in Mediterranean historical centers.

Regional cooperation as local development agendas

Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia — 2025 — WHEA415287BE0

Regional cooperation strategies are deeply influenced by the socio-economic and cultural configurations of territories, shaping local development agendas. A case study of the Coffee Cultural Landscape in Colombia and Coopeumo in Chile reveals that such cooperation is not uniform but reflects historical, social, and economic contexts as perceived by inhabitants. These organizations serve as negotiation spaces that mitigate top-down economic policies, fostering locally sensitive development agendas. The findings underscore the importance of recognizing territorial perceptions in designing effective regional cooperation frameworks.

Regional geological formation and speleogenesis of the ‘Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa’ UNESCO World Heritage Site

Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa — 2025 — WHEF4B8DC5AB4

A critical gap in understanding the geological and geomorphological processes shaping South Africa's Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa (The Cradle of Humankind), a UNESCO World Heritage Area, has been identified. The study reveals that while the region is renowned for its hominin fossil discoveries, there is a lack of comparative analyses of regional speleogenesis—karst formation linked to underlying geology—and its implications for palaeoanthropological and archaeological records. To address this, researchers synthesized stratigraphic and geomorphological histories, providing a foundational geological framework that integrates previously disconnected data. This approach aims to bridge the gap between large-scale regional studies and local-scale karst processes, offering new insights into the complex interactions that have preserved hominin fossils over millennia.

Registers of citizenship as a source of urban migration in late medieval Bardejov

Bardejov Town Conservation Reserve — 2025 — WHE517370D6D6

Late medieval citizenship registers from Bardejov reveal significant patterns of urban migration, offering unprecedented insight into the movement and integration of newcomers. The study identifies key factors influencing citizenship acquisition, including place of origin and occupation, while also highlighting the challenges in interpreting these records due to their fragmentary nature. A notable focus is on the migration of scholars, particularly those who transitioned into notarial roles, providing a unique lens on the intellectual mobility within the town. This research contributes to understanding urban dynamics during this period by leveraging historical documents to trace career trajectories and social integration processes.

Reimagining ramappa temple designs: A contemporary textile design exploration

Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana — 2025 — WHE91962BCBB9

A contemporary textile design exploration successfully reimagined the sculptural motifs of the UNESCO-listed Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, demonstrating their enduring cultural relevance. The study digitized ten key motifs—ranging from human figures to floral designs—and adapted them into hand-painted dupattas, which were well-received by consumers. This approach not only preserved and revitalized ancient architectural heritage but also showcased the temple's intricate craftsmanship through modern textile applications. By bridging traditional artistry with contemporary design techniques, the research highlights the potential for heritage motifs to inspire innovative, culturally significant products while ensuring their legacy persists.

Relationality, Immanence, Hierarchy: The Nature and Culture of Being(s) at Göbekli Tepe

Göbekli Tepe — 2025 — WHE8CB90E8792

Research at Göbekli Tepe reveals that human–animal relationships during the Early Neolithic period (PPNA) were characterized by immanence and hierarchy, challenging traditional views of hunter-gatherer societies. The study analyzes the site's megalithic architecture and pillar iconography, particularly depictions of predators, to argue that these relationships were expressed through ritualized imagistic practices, likely led by shamans. A novel model using referential relations and compositional hierarchy provides a framework for interpreting the complex interplay between beings and things in this ancient ontology. This approach sheds new light on the symbolic and ontological dimensions of early human societies.

Relationship Between Dynamics of Plant Biometric Parameters and Leaf Area Index of Hop (Humulus lupulus L.) Plants

Žatec and the Landscape of Saaz Hops — 2025 — WHE1DE22E2F7C

Researchers found that the leaf area of hop plants (Humulus lupulus L.) in Žatec, Czech Republic, reached comparable levels to maize or sorghum under organic farming conditions. The study, conducted over three years on the Premiant variety, identified a 'breaking point' (BP) between 181–195 days of the year when bine and lateral leaf areas converged. Leaf area measurements using infrared imaging and gravimetric methods showed strong correlation (r = 0.93–0.96), with total plant leaf areas ranging from 6.65 to 12.04 m², translating to a Leaf Area Index (LAI) of 2.2–4.0 at harvest. The study also established regression models linking dry biomass to leaf area dynamics and analyzed mass proportions of key plant organs.

Remains from the Late Byzantine, Early Islamic, Mamluk and Late Ottoman Periods in Ẓahal Square Tunnel, Jerusalem (pp. 193–210)

Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls — 2025 — WHE6AE33D7E0C

Excavations at Ẓahal Square, Jerusalem, have uncovered critical remains that trace the city's urban expansion and fortification systems from the late Byzantine–Umayyad period to the late Ottoman era. Among the discoveries is a rare Greek inscription etched in bedrock, providing direct evidence of Jerusalem's development during this transitional period. The excavation also revealed hewn walls of a deep moat and remnants of a forewall, offering unprecedented insights into the city's early Islamic fortifications along its northwestern corner. These structures were part of a broader defensive system that fell into disuse following destruction by the Ayyubid Sultan al-Malik al-Mu‘azzam ‘Isa in the 13th century CE. The findings reconstruct Jerusalem's evolving urban landscape and military architecture, contributing significantly to our understanding of its historical layers.

Remembering Perpetrators, Victims, and Heroes: The Mnemonic Legacy of Violence

Cambodian Memorial Sites: From centres of repression to places of peace and reflection — 2025 — WHE68746FB5D1

Political leaders legitimize selective accountability for mass violence by shaping societal memory through the roles of perpetrators, victims, and heroes. This study reveals that governments justify their approach to transitional justice by emphasizing these identities, rather than uniformly pursuing accountability. Investigating Cambodia, Indonesia, and Rwanda, the research combines interviews with political and civil society actors, field visits to memorial sites, and political development analysis. It demonstrates how selective memory of violence serves as a tool for internal and external legitimization, offering insights into the complex dynamics of post-conflict societies.

Remote Sensing and AI Coupled Approach for Large-Scale Archaeological Mapping in the Andean Arid Highlands: Case Study in Altos Arica, Chile

Settlement and Artificial Mummification of the Chinchorro Culture in the Arica and Parinacota Region — 2025 — WHE9D5141C82E

A convolutional neural network (CNN) model successfully identified archaeological stone structures, such as roundhouses and corrals, in the Azapa Valley of Chile's Arica y Parinacota region with high efficiency. This AI-driven approach, combined with remote sensing and fieldwork, overcomes the challenges posed by arid highland terrain, enabling large-scale automated mapping of surface archaeology. The study demonstrates the potential for such methods to revolutionize archaeological exploration in similar environments globally, offering a scalable solution for regions where manual surveying is impractical.

Remote Sensing Archaeology of the Xixia Imperial Tombs: Analyzing Burial Landscapes and Geomantic Layouts

Xixia Imperial Tombs — 2025 — WHEC0129B4850

A suspected true location for the ninth imperial tomb (M9) of the Xixia Imperial Tombs has been identified using declassified GAMBIT imagery, significantly advancing understanding of Tangut burial practices and geomantic layouts. This discovery was achieved through an integrated remote sensing approach combining multi-resolution satellite data—including Gaofen-2 (GF-2), Landsat-8 OLI, and Google Earth—with deep learning techniques like YOLOv5 for automated feature detection. The study also applied spectral indices and image fusion to enhance archaeological feature visibility, demonstrating the effectiveness of this methodology for site preservation and analysis. By providing a replicable framework for heritage studies, the research underscores the potential of advanced remote sensing and machine learning in uncovering and safeguarding cultural landscapes.

Remote sensing for asbestos roofing mapping: Mantua case study using WorldView-3 images

Mantua and Sabbioneta — 2025 — WHEE3BD5FB55F

A high-accuracy remote sensing method for identifying asbestos-containing cement (AC) roofs was developed, achieving 87% precision using the Maximum Likelihood classifier with WorldView-3 satellite imagery. This study, conducted in Mantua, Italy, demonstrates that multispectral imaging combined with advanced algorithms can effectively map AC roofing—a common and hazardous material—enabling targeted interventions for safe removal. The research compared two classification techniques, finding that while the Spectral Angle Mapper performed less accurately (62%), it remains a viable alternative for broader applications. This approach offers a scalable solution for global asbestos management efforts, supporting legislative actions aimed at mitigating health risks from exposure.

Representing Kazakhstan’s historical and cultural heritage in historical retrospective: A case study of an exhibition project

Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi — 2025 — WHE7319EB5B9A

An immersive exhibition project at the National Museum of Kazakhstan leverages advanced digital technologies to showcase the historical and cultural heritage of the Turkic peoples, emphasizing their statehood's continuity and uniqueness. The study highlights emblematic artifacts—ranging from Bronze Age relics like the Saka 'Golden Man' headdress to Timurid-era lamps from the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi—and demonstrates how such exhibits can serve as active agents of cultural exchange in the digital era. By adopting a thematic and chronological approach, the project illustrates Kazakhstan's rich history, from the Scythians and Huns to the Kazakh Khanate, while promoting international collaboration, drawing parallels with similar initiatives at the Louvre, Guimet Museum, and Hermitage.